Cold silver picked her way into the empty Gathering place, trees littering the area and a chilled wind drumming over the dewy grass. A stream of cats followed behind Silverstar, all scared or excited. They were leaving. This was final. Once they left, they could never look back. They would be following their faith blindly.

How many would be lost? How many would be saved?

It was half a moon since the earthquake. It had been a disastor. By all means, a catastrophe. She had never gotten to be sure if the clans would actually come. ThunderClan could be the only ones leaving. She led her clan to the middle of the clearing and went around to check on the kits, the elders, and every one inbetween, offering mews of comfort and assurance.

>>Aquapaw limped behind her leader, leg starting to heal but...well, not really. She gave a yelp of pain as she triped over a small branch, looking for Lostpaw's shoulder to stop from tumbling. She was near the back of the group, lagging behind the stronger warriors. The last few days, resting, had been boring as ever. But if she was to ever be useful for anything, she needed to prevent injury. Apparantly coming here was iffy. Nessecary though.

The she-cat sat down on the grass, blue eyes taking in everything. Knowing full well they had left the camp for good.

>>Iceflake bounced, yes, bounced, through the Gathering place. For some odd reason, she was utterly excited. She was right behind Silverstar, a bright expression on her face. She was acting like a kit. Stopping, she put a serious look on and fell back a bit, walking beside her sister, Lostpaw. Why in StarClan's name was she STILL a paw?!

"Here we go Lostpaw. Have any regrets?"

>>Harepaw bounded down the hill, long fur flying in the wind. He searched for his siblings, Pantherpaw and Bluepaw, to talk before they left.

>>Whisperwind padded slowly, tentively, into the Gathering place, murky and stormy blue eyes taking in everything they could. He was terrified of leaving. This was his home, everything he fought for. His grey fur bristled, angry with everything. Angry with the fact that everyone he knew was gone. Angry that all of his kin but one was dead. Angry that they would leave so suddenly. He looked to his right, seeing Mistshadow.

He cut across to see her, whiskers twitching and tail waving in greeting.

Mistshadow padded after Silverstar, her eyes huge. She was terrified. She had no clue what they were going to face, or what on earth would happen once they got there. If they managed to get there. She shook her pelt, trying to clear the doubt in her mind.

Then she heard pawsteps coming towards her, and looked up to see Whisperwind waving his tail in greeting. She gave him a small smile and mewed, "Hey," Her voice quiet, as always.

--

Raindapple walked near the center of the group, her only son swinging from her jaws. He was one of the more... Timid kits. The two she-kits walked on either side.

--

Gorsetalon bounded after the group, an extremely skinny mouse hanging in his jaws. He'd stopped when he'd scented it, going after it. It was an impulse, truly. He stopped beside Aquapaw and Lostpaw. "Here. To keep your strength up." he meowed, flicking his ears. "We can't have either of you getting sick."

Barkfur padded along, walking right in with the warriors. Her kits were almost old enough to be apprentices, and it was time for her to get back with her warrior duties. She missed it, but it was going to be tough going traveling to a place no one has even been two, besides a few cats. She didn't want to leave, not completely. But at least now she could be with Thistlefur and not be ridiculed for it, all the Clans had to stick together now. Team work was key.

Whitekit hopped along, taking this as a new adventure. She loved adventures! I can't believe it! I'm out of camp and no one cares! I'd love to see the look on Lynxpaw's face now! She looked around to see if her friend Luckykit was around. She hoped her companion wasn't starting to get cocky and think she was better than all the kits just because she was old enough to be apprentices. She hated the apprentices, but she could wait to be one. She'd be different, she wouldn't be mean to kits. Ever.

Terrakit stood straight and still as his clan huddled around him. Koikit had been right. They were moving. He knew that they were going to have to go eventually, but he had never really tried to fathom what it would be like to leave his lifelong home. Suddenly all of the talk of 'The Journey' as many called it was real. It was finally happening.

**

Frostkit felt a burning in her eyes. She didn't want to leave. She had spent her whole life of seven moons here. Pressing close to Eaglekit she carried on. Would they survive the journey? Blue eyes glanced up at the moon as if it would hold all the answers.

**

Eaglekit barely felt his sister's pelt brush against him. He was like a walking zombie. He scarcely sensed the world around him as he plodded on towards the gathering spot. His mind was whirring with the same questions as his sister's. Yet he was not frightened like she. All it took was a glance towards their leader Silverstar. Her pelt gleamed in the moonlight. She would lead them through this safe and sound.

Smoketail padded from the direction WindClan's territory was towards the Gathering Place. His normally starry blue eyes seemed cold, dull, like chips of stone. He walked with the slightest limp from when the warrior's den had crashed down on his shoulders. His Clan streamed out in a line of brown, ginger, gray, and black pelts, some near furless from old age, some with fluffy, fuzzy pelts that indicated they were just brought from the nursery into the world.

His ear twitched, and he looked up at the sky. He was supporting their frail leader on his shoulder. He doubted that Wolfstar would make it through the journey... But he prayed that the older tom could bear it, so that he didn't have to take on the Clan's responsibilities head-on. At the same time, a slightly ambitious thought told him how grand it would be to have nine lives, able to protect his Clanmates for far longer than he could with his one and only life now. He shook his head to clear the inkling away. He only wanted the best for WindClan. He couldn't be sure that he was the best option right now for leader. He was barely a good deputy as it was. He'd had to take Wolfstar's place at a few Gatherings, had had to apprentice kits and make those same cats warriors several moons later in his leader's absence.

He was already more leader than deputy. A small thread of worry wormed into his heart. Did his Clanmates resent him for that?

All of his doubts were pushed away by sight of Silverstar, the silver she-cat that led ThunderClan. He resisted the urge to bound up to the older she-cat, excited by her presence. But he couldn't leave Wolfstar's side. "Silverstar," he called, his voice it's usual cool, calm tone. "How good to see you and your Clan are able to journey with us after this past half-moon..."

OOC: I only power-played Wolfstar a little bit 'cause you know he probably won't post in this thread and I'm not saying that he died.... >.> SO DON'T GET ON ME ABOUT IT!

Goldenstorm padded behind Smoketail, walking beside his best friend, Badgerclaw. Leaving was a bitter sweet moment, he didn't know if he'd ever taste another rabbit again, but he left never the less, knowing it was for the best. Still, he wish he could be with Vixenstep and Badgerclaw, but he didn't know where she was.

Badgerclaw walked nervously with Goldenstorm, ready to hate the moment he sees FireClan. He hated that Clan, and he always will. Almost as much as DarkClan.

Soulpaw padded towards the end of Clan. This was it. This was the Journey. The thought of leaving everything behind, everything she knew, was heart wrenching. She followed her Clanmates into the Gathering place just as WindClan was showing up. Her eyes widened at all of the new cats. She had only started warming up to her own Clanmates. Just that only Clan alone almost gave her a heart attack. Her dapple pelt burned with fear. This was worse than she thought. This was going to be a horrid experience.

~~~

The golden and black spotted she-cat followed behind her friend Goldenstorm. “I hope this is the right choice,” Mintleaf muttered. She didn’t know how far they would be traveling but she had traveled when she was younger. It wouldn’t be much different now, just with a lot of companions. It was the only reason she was worried. There were kits, elders, injured, and sick cats. Would they be able to make the journey? She looked ahead into the Gathering place. ThunderClan was already there. Hopefully her mood swings wouldn’t act up again. She scooted up next to Vixenstep and smiled, "We had some good times, didn't we?"

~~~

A kit about the age to be apprenticed trotted after his WindClan Clanmates. This was Windkit’s second outing out of camp. The first had been when he and a lot of other kits went to hunt the foxes. He couldn’t wait to make some new friends. Maybe that would keep him away from Otterkit. Curse that tom kit that seemed to be the only one able to make him angry.

The 'Snigger Glitch' is a glitch on forumotion when an online member is duplicated or cloned on the 'Who is Online?' page. First discovered on July 31, 2010 when member Snigger had three clones on the list. Later discovered member Amberstorm would sometimes have a clone. The only two recorded subjects of the glitch are the second and second to last members on the online during 24 hours list. This may or may not have relation to the glitch.

Vixenstep purred. "I was making sure no one was left behind..." she said, her eyes bright. "Can you believe we're actually moving?" At Mintleaf's meow, she nodded. "Yeah. We were all apprentices here."

Silverstar gave a tiny kit mewling in horror a lick on the head, and offered a word of comfort, reminding her how StarClan was watching over them always, no matter where they were. She could only hope this was true. The she-cat gave a nod of farewell and turned, seeing Smoketail and WindClan. They had appeared like vapor, out of the mist. He called to her and she picked her way through her cats to him. She didn't hurry, but instead continued condolling ThunderClan, knowing he of all cats would understand that her clan needed attention first. The she-cat knew Smoketail would make a very good leader, but she was filled with grief at Wolfstar's appearance.

He had been leader since she was born, and she knew him to be worthy and level-headed. Now, he looked frail and pitiful. Would WindClan be traumatized by his death, which she knew was coming? Would they except Smoketail? She couldn't see why. He was a strong tom with a fair outlook and a calm manner. Speaking of which, now he seemd to have a light limp. How hard had the earthquake affected them?

She reached him, clear blue gaze reaching the more troubled look of Smoketail. She held her head high, and her silver pelt was groomed despite the conditions. The moon shone down on the now two clans, about to unite as one for the better.

"Evening Smoketail...and Wolfstar." She added, her tone polite but warm. "You as well. I assume your clan is recovered from the last Gathering?"

---

Aquapaw looked up at Gorsetalon, a sweet expression on her face. How she could appear cheery during the circumstances is beyond me. She looked down at the mouse and murmured a soft "Thankyou Gorsetalon. That was very sweet." Of course, the sad little mouse was terribly skinny, but it was better than nothing. Strength would be an asset to her on the trip. Looking over her shoulder, she took a breath and looked down at her leg. It was still very stiff, stuck in one position but groomed my Lostpaw. She had decided last sunrise. When her leg permitted she would become the medicine cat apprentice. If this was what she was destined for, then so be it.

---

Whisperwind sat down on his haunches, sending a flurry of wind-blown leaves up behind him, spanning out in a wide circle. He flicked his tail before dropping it to the ground. Mistshadow looked absolutely petrified. No doubt she was worrying about her safety. And you know, the entire future of all the clans. With a crooked grin he meowed. "Excited yet?"

Mistshadow flicked her ears, trying to look as calm as Whisperwind seemed to be. "No...." she said quietly. She wasn't going to lie to him. It just wasn't who she was. "I still don't know if this is the right choice for the Clans...." Her blue gaze searched his. "I've heard nothing from StarClan..." Her voice was low, so that only the gray tom could hear.

Only he knew about her connection to StarClan. Every night or so, she was visited in her dreams and trained for the battle.

--

Smoketail nodded. "Yes. We are strong enough to make this journey." His eyes grew worried. "Although we have several young kits and a queen that is close to giving birth... I am worried for them."

Sandfur followed her leader to the clearing, her three kits Luckykit, Darkkit and Mudkit near her with all the other kits.--Luckykit was racing to Whitekit. "Isn't that exciting? We're going somewhere with the whole clan and all the other clans, too! It's such a big adventure! We can rally learn a lot now!", she mewed.--Blazesong padded in after the other Thunderclan warriors. Where are we going to end up?, she asked herself. Will everyone make it? What about the kits and elders? Those thoughts were troubling her, but she trusted Silverstar. Her apprentice Soulpaw was with the other apprentices. That calmed her down a bit again.

--

Silvershine followed Riverclan in. While passing she greeted the other warriors. She was walking with the queens and kits. Maybe Claykit would have some questions. The kit was just so curious. She hoped to mentor her later. She eyed the rows of cats and found her apprentice Pebblepaw with the other apprentices.--Claykit eyes grew really wide as she saw the mass of cats gathered. She padded up to Silvershine. She had so many questions in her mind, but she was unable to ask anything, she wass just so stunned.--Flamepaw walked with the other apprentices. Finally I get the chance to prove myself worthy my warrior name., he thought. I will protect anyone and care for the young old and weak. I will be a good warrior.

--

Liontail was in the middle of the gathered cats. He was looking for his apprentice, Coalpaw. I wonder how he will manage this journey, he thought. There's so much to take care of, I hope we all make it. He padded up to his Windclan friends Goldenstorm and Vixenstep. "So, we're finally starting.", he mewed. "Goodbye, old territory."--Berrykit was following Goldenstorm. She really liked the tom-warrior. I hope he'll be my mentor soon!, she thought. If I follow him now and do what he says, I'll be a good cat, will I? "Goldenstorm?", she asked. "Will all those cats travel with us? I cannot even tell who's from which clan! There are just too many cats! I never thought there actually lived so many cats in here."--Skimbleshanks padded beside his mate Morningflower. He looked at his beautiful mate. "Don't worry, everything will be alright. I'm sure Berrykit, Autumnkit and Cedarkit will do great.", he mewed.--Minkfur was walking with Watertail. "I do not understand why we're leaving.", he mewed to the elder. "Dese youn'lin's ain't able to survive a period of scarce prey and hard weather! They got lax, didn't they, Watertail?"

--Leopardclaw followed Shadowclan into the clearing. He slipped a stone, fell down somewhere and broke either his neck, drowned or died somewhat else because of stupidity.

ooc: lol haven't rp'd this kitty in a looonnnggg while and I just remembered another TC cat I had X3 er, have.

Fawnstep padded among her clanmates, looking for a freind to walk with. Leaving this place frightened her; it was all she'd ever known, and her brother was the only family she had left. Anxiety clawed at her belly. She couldn't wait to get to the new territory, but she didn't want to leave.--Dovesong kept pace with her Clan.

"Not at all." Silverfang's eyes stryed over to where his son stood near a Thunderclan she-cat. "Hardly a minute here and he's already in trouble."

Otterkit blinked. He had never seen this cat before. Come to think of it, he hadn't seen half the cats gathered before. "You smell of rotting leaves and dead shrew." His tone was not insulting, just very matter-of-factly.

Whitekit jumped next to Luckykit, "I know! We can do what ever we want now! I bet we could even scout ahead all by ourselves, and not get in trouble! They can't send us to the Nursery now." she mewed, excited and happy. Once the journey was started, she wanted to sneak ahead and scout for the Clans, both of them, with only Luckykit as her back up. She was suddenly knocked over, Sealkit pushing her to the ground, "Get off me you big fur-ball!" she growled kicking up to give her body space to get up. She turned back to Luckykit, "Do you want to scout ahead with me once we start traveling? It'll be super fun and we can prove what great warriors we can be!"

Goldenstorm stopped, hear Berrykit mew his name. He looked down at her, "Oh yes, there are five Clans. Each are traveling with us. Only ThunderClan and WindClan are here now, but soon ShadowClan, FireClan, and RiverClan will join us. And you can tell a cat's Clan by their scent. Try this. Sniff me, what do I smell like?" he replied, teaching the kit some more.

Whitekit rolled her eyes, she'd have to think this one over with Luckykit. Sealkit was more of the less capable cat, to say the least. "Do you think he should come?" she whispered to Luckykit, hoping dearly she'd say no. No one really understood Sealkit, but he did talk proper just now so it wouldn't be too wise to let him go.